Hôtel de Sers, 8th Arr.

Concierge.com's insider take:

Even though it stands in the very grand shadows of the George V in the heart of Paris's "golden triangle" luxury district, the Hôtel de Sers is no also-ran. In fact, it's frequently recommended by its posh neighbor when the latter is sold out. Originally the private residence of the Marquis de Sers (built in 1880), and most recently known as the Hotel Queen Elizabeth, this 52-room property was overhauled in 2004 under the aegis of Thibault Vidalenc (whose family has owned the place for three generations) and his architect-cousin Thomas. There's now a visual give-and-take between a certain Haussmanian elegance (a paneled lounge, a portrait gallery) and modern panache (dark rosewood furniture, a pearl-gray and plum color scheme). Well-bred extras run to Ladurée pastries on the breakfast tray and a steam room and sauna in the small gym. When booking, note that suites 75 and 81 have drop-dead views of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower and Sacré Coeur; 67 and 68 have terraces overlooking the courtyard garden.

From the editors of Condé Nast Traveler:

Though it literally stands in the shadow of the Four Seasons George V, in the heart of the city's Golden Triangle, the Hôtel de Sers is such a class act that it is actually recommended by the folks at the Four Seasons when that hotel is fully booked. Built as the private residence of the Marquis de Sers in 1880, the hotel retains its Hausmann-era elegance in the form of a wonderful gallery of nineteenth-century oil portraits and a sweeping staircase leading to a bar with a white-marble fireplace that is an original fixture. The 52 rooms' appealingly plush and contemporary mood is set by chrome-and-oak furniture, plum and pearl-gray velvets, and limestone loos with Japanese-style sliding doors. Other top-notch touches include Ladurée pastries on the breakfast tray, Pierre Marcolini chocolates in the minibar, 24-hour room service, a superb staff, and a pleasant little gym that includes a sauna and a steam room.2005 Hot List

When to go: Spring and fall.

Which room to book: Which room to book: Suites 75 and 81 have drop-dead views of the Eiffel Tower